Both the ShearWater 20TE 2012 and the ShearWater 23LTZ 2011 are modified-V designs, both built in fibreglass, so the buying decision usually comes down to a handful of practical questions: how many people are you putting on the water, how far do you trailer, and what does your tow vehicle weigh?
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department - ShearWater 20TE 2012 at 20,0 ft versus ShearWater 23LTZ 2011 at 22,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the ShearWater 23LTZ 2011 tips the scales at 1 900 lbs - 300 lbs less than the ShearWater 20TE 2012 at 1 600 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 300 hp, the ShearWater 23LTZ 2011 has a 150-hp advantage over the ShearWater 20TE 2012's 150-hp ceiling - enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the ShearWater 23LTZ 2011 carries 81 gallons versus 56 gallons in the ShearWater 20TE 2012. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
Both boats are rated for 6 passengers - a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.
Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the ShearWater 23LTZ 2011 and its 300-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the ShearWater 20TE 2012 with its 150-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.